Archive | 2013

MSU Geriatric Symposium

By admin on January 29, 2013 in Training News

Save the Date! MSU Geriatric Symposium. Topic: “Can We Talk? A Positive Approach to Difficult Conversations”

April 19, 2013, 8am-4pm, Kellogg Center, East Lansing

See flyer.

Aging and Substance Abuse Training

By Renee on January 24, 2013 in Resources

MSU is hoding a course on aging and addition in Lansing. The course runs from 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. on March 23. Register by March 16 to get the $39 price.

For details and registration information, check out p. 7 of this PDF document: https://socialwork.msu.edu/ceu/docs/CEspring2013.pdf

We will be meeting early that morning at Hannan House for carpooling. More details on that later!

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Filing Taxes for 2012

By Lisa on January 24, 2013 in Financial, Resources

Here is some general information and answers to FAQ regarding what kinds of income are taxed, income thresholds (not everyone must file taxes), and resources for assistance with filing taxes.

General Requirements:
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p554/ch01.html#en_US_2012_publink100043524
Shows if you are single and over 65, the most amount you can earn is $11,200 and do not have to file.

Does everyone need to file an income tax return?
From TurboTax:
http://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/IRS-Tax-Return/Does-Everyone-Need-to-File-an-Income-Tax-Return-/INF14399.html

There are also some sites that can direct members for help if they have concerns or feel they may have to file:
Tax-Aide sites through AARP:
http://www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/taxAideLocations.action;jsessionid=A48FFBF4F604B5FD3CE4F875F0F72144

Low-income taxpayer clinics (LITC):
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-a-Low-Income-Taxpayer-Clinic-(LITC)-in-Michigan

And finally this information is from Social Security: Are Social Security benefits taxable?
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Are-Your-Social-Security-Benefits-Taxable%3F

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Accounting Aid Free Tax Preparation Sites

By admin on January 22, 2013 in Financial, Resources

FREE TAX PREPARATION SITES

sponsored by Accounting Aid Society

http://www.accountingaidsociety.org

Accounting Aid Society will have 20+ free tax preparation locations in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Livingston counties for the main tax season, beginning in late January 2013 and operating through April 13^th (some through April 15th). Six sites are open year-round.

Find a site: http://accountingaidsociety.org/get-help/full-service-tax-help/ (or see flyer attached)

http://accountingaidsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013-Tax-Help-Sites1.pdf

Most locations offer walk-in first come, first served service. Some are by appointment-only as noted.

Please note that Midtown resident, Leslie Malcolmson, is a volunteer at the Duffield Library. If you have questions – call her on 313-831-7931.

Choosing Accounting Aid Society over paid tax preparers who can miss potential deductions and credits, and charge for “rapid refund loans,” will save you $200 to $300 in fees. And because we e-file and offer direct deposit, there is no faster way to get your refund.

Eligibility for our free full service is based on annual household income:

·       $50,000 or less for families (A married couple or having more than one person in the home.)

·       $35,000 or less for individuals

·       If you pay rent, heating bills, or property taxes but are not working, you may still be eligible for some tax credits.

·       Our Homebound Tax Program can help if you are physically unable to go to a tax site. Call us for details.

NEW OPTION: Self‐Service Taxes

Make under $57,000? You can do your own taxes online with free software and get free support from our tax hotline. Visit our website for details.

Sites in Midtown and Central District:

Main Detroit Public Library

5201 Woodward, Detroit 48202

Sat. 10 a.m.‐2 p.m., Jan. 26‐April 13

(Closed Feb. 16 & Mar. 30)

Tue. Feb. 5‐Feb.26, 4 p.m.‐7 p.m.

Duffield Branch Library

2507 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit 48208

10:30 a.m.‐2:30 p.m., Sat. Jan. 26‐April 13

(Closed Feb. 16 & Mar. 30)

By appointment: 313‐224‐6456

Northend Neighborhood Tax Center

7700 Second Ave., Detroit 48202

Tue. & Thur., 12 noon.‐7 p.m.

Wed. & Fri., 9 am.‐4 p.m.;

Sat. 9 am.‐2 p.m. , Jan. 24‐April 15

Appointment preferred: 313‐556‐1920

6 SUPER SITES – OPEN 5+ DAYS A WEEK:

Focus:HOPE

1300 Oakman Blvd., Detroit 48238

Tuesdays through Saturdays , 9 a.m.‐ 2 p.m.

Jan. 24‐April 13 (Closed Mar. 29‐30)

Walk‐in service; first come, first served.

Fills up fast.

Northend Neighborhood Tax Center

7700 Second Ave., Detroit 48202

Tue. & Thur., 12 noon.‐7 p.m.

Wed. & Fri., 9 am.‐4 p.m.;

Sat. 9 am.‐2 p.m. , Jan. 24‐April 15

Appointment preferred: 313‐556‐1920.

Northwest Neighborhood Tax Center

19556 Grand River, Detroit 48223

Mon./Thur./Fri./Sat. 9 a.m.‐4 p.m.

Tue. & Wed., 12 noon‐7 p.m., Jan. 24‐April 15

Appointment preferred: 313‐556‐1920

Oakland County Neighborhood Tax Center

1956 Hilton, Ferndale 48220

Mon./Tue./Fri. 12 noon‐7 p.m.

Wed./Thu./Sat. 9 a.m.‐4 p.m., Jan. 24‐April 15

Appointment preferred: 313‐556‐1920

Osborn Neighborhood Tax Center

4777 E. Outer Drive, Detroit 48234

Mon./Wed./Fri./Sat. 9 a.m.‐4 p.m.

Tue. & Thur. 12 noon‐7 p.m., Jan. 24‐April 15

Appointment preferred: 313‐556‐1920

Southwest Neighborhood Tax Center

8634 W. Vernor, Detroit 48209

Mon./Wed./Fri./Sat. 9 a.m.‐4 p.m.

Tue. & Thur. 12 noon‐7 p.m., Jan. 24‐April 15

Appointment preferred: 313‐556‐1920

Hablamos Español

Other DETROIT Sites:

Neighborhood Service Organization

Harper‐Gratiot Multi‐Service Center

9641 Harper, Detroit 48213

Sat., 9:30 a.m.‐3 p.m., Jan. 26‐April 13

Appointment preferred: 313‐556‐1920

State Rep. Rashida Tlaib Office

2101 W. Lafayette, Detroit 48216

Saturdays, 10 a.m.‐4 p.m.

Feb. 2‐April 13 Hablamos Español

See attached list for other Wayne County, Macomb County, Livingston County, and Oakland County sites

Important documents and information you need to bring with you to get your 2012 income taxes and tax credits prepared by Accounting Aid Society (see attached file):

Identification/Social Security Numbers

·       ID: Driver’s License or State ID

·       Social Security card for yourself, spouse and each dependent

·       Taxpayers filing a joint return must both be present when the tax returns are prepared. Both spouses must sign a joint tax return.

Income Statements or Forms

·       A copy of last year’s return, if available

·       Wages (all Forms W‐2)

·       Unemployment (Form 1099‐G)

·       Pension (Form 1099‐R)

·       Social Security (Form SSA‐1099)

·       Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Letter from SSA

·       Interest/Dividends (Form 1099‐INT or 1099‐DIV)

·       DHS Assistance (DHS Annual Client Statement)

·       Child Support (Child Support Annual Statement)

·       Gambling/Lottery Winnings (Form W‐2G)

·       Miscellaneous Income (Form 1099‐MISC)

·       Any other income documentation you may have

Proof of Expenses

·       Medical or HMO Premiums paid for self and/or family members

·       Dependent care expenses

·       Student loan interest or tuition and course materials

Amount of Annual Heating Costs – for the Home Heating Credit

·       The amount you were billed for heating your home from 11/01/2011 to 10/31/2012. This information should be on your utility bill. If you cannot find it, contact your heat provider.

·       The Home Heating Credit is available for homeowners and renters (if rent is included in your rent – you can still get the Credit).

Homeowners – for the Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit

·       The taxable value of your home

·       A complete copy of your summer and winter property tax bills for 2012

Renters – for the Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit

·       Your lease or rental contract

·       Rent receipts for 2012

·       Your landlord’s name and address

Direct Deposit – Fastest and Safest way to receive your refund

·       Your bank or credit union name

·       Routing number

·       Account number

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Home Safety Workshop by DPD

By admin on January 22, 2013 in OTHER resources, Resources

Learn ways to protect yourself, your family, and your home from crime and health hazards

Wednesday, January 30th

6:00 – 7:30pm

(Doors Open at 5:45pm)

Central District Headquarters

(7310 Woodward)

*Open to the Public*

Light refreshments to be served at 6pm

For more information, contact any of the following:

¨ Central District Community Relations Department (313-596-5110)

¨ 10th Precinct Community Relations Department (313-596-1020)

Flyer Attached

DALE DORSEY
Police Officer
Central District
Community Relations
(313) 596-5110 Office
(313) 596-5166 Fax

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Recording 3 new AASC resources annually

By Karen on January 18, 2013 in Resources

Last Fall, while I was working on the HUD reports I read that SC’s have a requirement to add at least three new resources to AASC each year. So, whenever I add a new resource on AASC, I am typing in the notes section the date that I entered it. Then I print off my copies for the resource directories. One copy of the new resource goes in my “HUD reporting folder” where I compile anything I may need for the next HUD report. Hope this was helpful!

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World Medical Relief Services

By admin on January 16, 2013 in Health and Medical, Pharmacy, Resources

World Medical Relief is frequently able to provide a variety of medical supplies for local non-profit agencies that offer these items to their patients. These include dressings, kerlix bandages, ostomy supplies, liquid nutritional supplements, and other related items. A referral from a social service agency or prescription from a licensed health care professional is required for acceptance into the program. WMR charges a low fee for this service.

WMR also provides basic home health care supplies (adult diapers and bed pads) to low-income people of all ages. No referral is necessary for this service.

Durable Medical Equipment Program – Through the DME program, low-income clients can obtain canes, walkers, hospital beds, over-the-bed tables, commodes, tub benches, and similar items. A doctor’s prescription is needed to receive durable medical equipment. All items must be picked up from WMR’s warehouse. A small handling fee is assessed.

Prescription Program can Save You Hundreds of Dollars Each Month – If you make less than $21,780 per year(Single) or $29,420 per year (couples) and have no prescription insurance coverage, you may be eligible for our new prescription assistance program. Through this program, you will receive your medications for only $8.30 per prescription per month mailed right to your home.
Just call 2-1-1 (or call 1-800-552-1183) and answer eight brief questions to pre-qualify. Then, you’ll complete a one-page application listing your medications and the physicians who prescribe them for you. We do all the rest!
You will pay $8.30 per prescription per month delivered right to your home in 30-day supplies, saving you hundreds of dollars and several trips to the doctor or pharmacy. We’ll stay in touch with you and your physicians to track your refills.

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Educational Flyer Contents

By admin on January 16, 2013 in Educational Workshops

I’ve been seeing a flurry of educational workshop flyers this week and some of the elements that I consistently see on your flyers that are helpful for members and that should be included on all flyers include:

Title of event (should be both descriptive and engaging)

Speaker name, title and organization (At a minimum include the organization the speaker is from. It helps members know the source of the information, develop a connection with the organization as a potential resource, increase trust in the content, and inform members that it is a non-profit or governmental entity. ie Registered Dietician Jane Smith from Wunderbar Community College will be presenting on….)

Short descriptor of what members may learn by attending

Location (ie Community Room at “X” Co-op)

Day, Date, and Time (ie Wednesday, January 16th, at 1:00-2:00pm)

Event coordinator (ie Program sponsored by “X” Co-op Service Coordinators and Education Committee; For more information contact Service Coordinator Rachel Jacobsen at 313-833-1300 or Room #312)

Other pertinent information, including “Light Refreshments”

Finally, have fun with graphics and print on colored paper!

If you have other suggestions, please share with the team. Some of you have been generously posting your flyers on SCoop, which I really appreciate. It helps other SCs get ideas for their own educational event topics, speakers, and flyer lay out. If you are looking for ideas, visit SCoop for these postings!

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